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Biomedical subjects

R T Wentges

Publications and source records attributed to R T Wentges.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Rhinomanometric detection rate of rhinoscopically-assessed septal deviations.

Normal values for the flow at a transnasal pressure of 150 Pa were established with active anterior rhinomanometry (with decongestion) in a group of 33 normal subjects. These values were used to detect abnormalities in a group of 193 patients whose septum anatomy had been evaluated with rhinoscopy. About 25% of the rhinoscopically normal patients were found to have significantly low ("abnormal") flow values on one side. The same was true for patients with a small septal deviation restricted to one anatomical area. An abnormal flow was measured in about 35% of the patients with a moderate (restricted) septal deviation. In the patients whose septal deviation was not restricted to one anatomical area, about 45% had an abnormal flow. The highest detection rate was about 80% in patients with major deviations in the region of the vestibule and the valve. Such deviations were found only in a minority of the patients with complaints of nasal obstruction, which limits the importance of rhinomanometric evaluation in clinical practice.

Adult↗

Demonstration of alpha 1-adrenoceptors in rat nasal mucosa.

3H-Prazosin was used to demonstrate alpha 1-adrenoceptors in rat nasal mucosa. Specific binding is saturable and occurs to a homogeneous class of binding sites with high affinity (Kd = 0.07 +/- 0.01 nmol/l and with a receptor density of 0.36 +/- 0.02 pmol/g tissue or 14 +/- 1 fmol/mg protein. Kinetic experiments resulted in a Kd-value of 0.03 nmol/l. The binding is stereoselectively inhibited by epinephrine enantiomers. The antagonist prazosin inhibits 3H-Prazosin binding with high affinity, in contrast to yohimbine, classifying the binding sites as alpha 1-adrenoceptors. Inhibition experiments with WB4101 indicated the presence of alpha 1a- (31 +/- 9%) and alpha 1b-adrenoceptor subtypes in the rat nasal mucosa. The order of potencies of agonists determined in competition experiments was (-)epinephrine greater than (+)epinephrine greater than (-)phenylephrine.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

[Cluster headache].

59 patients with cluster headache are discussed. Treatment can be divided into treatment of the acute attack, and prophylactic treatment. The acute attack can be interrupted in most cases by ergotamine, either sublingually or in the form of suppositories. A number of patients respond to the inhalation of pure oxygen. Most patients with the episodic type of cluster headache do well on prophylactic treatment with methysergide. If they prove refractory to this drug, treatment with lithium salts can be instituted. Most patients with the chronic type of cluster headache respond favourably to lithium therapy.

Adolescent↗

Perilymphatic gusher and stapes surgery. A predictable complication?

The cases of 3 patients who had 'perilymph gushers' following stapes surgery are reported. The similarities in their clinical histories and examinations are discussed. All 3 were males and had progressive mixed deafness presenting in early childhood. Polytomography revealed anomalies in both the vestibule and internal auditory meatus in 1 patient; the stapedial reflex was unexpectedly large in all 3. Further preoperative evaluation of these features in other patients and patients affected by the X-linked deafness syndrome is indicated in order to assess the validity of the above criteria.

Adult↗

The lateralization percentage as a measure of nasal flow asymmetry in active anterior rhinomanometry.

A new parameter is introduced in active anterior rhinomanometry: the lateralization percentage, calculated as (right flow--left flow)/(right flow + left flow) x 100%. The flow was measured at 15 mm H2O pressure difference after induced shrinkage of the nasal mucosa. Two groups of subjects were studied. One group consisting of 28 male and 40 female volunteers was used to establish normal values in both sexes for flow, absolute flow difference and lateralization percentage. The second group consisting of 20 men who were to undergo submucous septal reconstruction for nasal obstruction was used to test the detection of abnormal cases when applying the normal values derived from the control group. It appeared that the absolute flow difference is a less effective measure than either the total flow or the lateralization percentage. Optimum detection (75-85% of the abnormal cases) was achieved by applying a criterion combining total flow and lateralization percentage.

Airway Obstruction↗

Acquired basal encephalocele.

The radiodiagnostic signs of congenital basal encephalocele are well known. The case history described here shows that a long existing, acquired, traumatic transethmoidal encephalocele can cause the same roentgen appearance. The differences between the congenital and recent posttraumatic forms are indicated.

Adolescent↗

Surgical anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa.

The pterygopalatine fossa is the distribution centre for the main vessels and nerves of the middle third of the face. Its surgical anatomy is discussed, with particular emphasis on the relationship between the medical plate of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone and the vertical plate of the palatine bone; the position of the several foramina is reviewed also. It is stressed that the vascular contents of the pterygopalatine fossa lie in a coronal plane, anterior to the neural contents. Finally, a short review is given of the different surgical approaches to the pterygopalatine fossa. It is concluded that the transantral approach to the fossa, as originally described by Carnochan (1858), still seems to be the best way to gain access to this space.

Humans↗

Extrusion of transtympanic ventilating tubes, relative to the site of insertion.

The results are presented of a study, designed to examine the relation between the site of insertion of transtympanic ventilating tubes into the tympanic membrane and the period, elapsing before extrusion takes place. The results suggest that tubes inserted into the anterior part of the tympanic membrane remain in place for a longer period than tubes inserted posteriorly.

Adolescent↗